Michael Cooke named interim Turlock city manager; Roy Wasden retiring Dec. 7

Municipal Services Director Michael Cooke will take the helm as Turlock’s interim city manager as Roy Wasden retires in December.

The decision came in a unanimous City Council vote announced at the close of its Nov. 10 meeting. Wasden, who spent more than six years as city manager, has said his last day of work will be Dec. 7.

In 22 years with the city of Turlock, Cooke has served as the planning manager as well as leading the Municipal Services Department. He has most recently led water conservation efforts throughout the city in response to a state-mandated reduction.

“Michael has a great working relationship with the City Council and staff,” Wasden said in a statement released late Tuesday.

Mayor Gary Soiseth added: “Director Cooke will do an excellent job managing Turlock’s day-to-day operations. He has the required skills, knowledge and steady leadership to be an effective interim city manager.”

“I am honored that the Turlock City Council has selected me for this temporary assignment,” Cooke said following his appointment.

Saying Wasden’s “shoes are impossible to fill,” Cooke added: “Nevertheless, the city of Turlock has outstanding employees and a dedicated City Council, and I am looking forward to working with all of them on continuing to move this great organization onward and upward. Together, we will ensure a smooth transition for Roy’s permanent replacement.”

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 10:44 PM with the headline "Michael Cooke named interim Turlock city manager; Roy Wasden retiring Dec. 7."